BASL rejects government MP’s claims, challenges MP to repeat allegations outside Parliament

Colombo, July 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today strongly rejected allegations made in Parliament by Government MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Withanage against BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya, describing the claims as “utterly false, baseless, and made with malicious intent.” 

National People’s Power (NPP) MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Withanage, speaking in Parliament today, claimed that BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya had held discussions with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who had allegedly promised him the Western Province Chief Ministerial candidacy at the upcoming Provincial Council election in exchange for his support.

The BASL challenged MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Withanage to repeat the allegations outside Parliament without the protection of parliamentary privilege, stating that doing so would enable the appropriate legal consequences to follow. 

Issuing a statement, the BASL expressed “deep dismay” over what it described as false utterances made under parliamentary privilege and accused the MP of attempting to mislead the public through unfounded and defamatory allegations.

The BASL further expressed concern over what it termed the abuse of parliamentary privilege, stating that such remarks sought to misguide the public and undermine confidence in the legal profession. It also maintained that “cheap political attacks” on the BASL would not succeed, adding that Sri Lanka’s legal fraternity remains united in defending its independence and integrity. 

The BASL statement was signed by its Deputy President, President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne, and Secretary Nalin De Silva.